1/15/2008 @ 6:00AM

In Pictures: America's Top 10 Sports Mascots

No. 1: Phillie Phanatic

Philadelphia Phillies

One of the earliest baseball mascots, the Phanatic became an instant smash when it debuted for the Phillies in 1978. Leading fans from the top of the dugout, riding around on a motorbike and heckling opposing players was all new at the time, offering a sneak peak of the future. Players and purists hated it. Dodger manager Tom Lasorda got into a scuffle with the Phanatic, while broadcaster Joe Garagiola one lamented that “baseball is being invaded by the Muppets.” But it was a marketing ploy, and the time had come.